Foreign Language Students’ Perceptions of Teacher-Student Interpersonal Behavior

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Learning Environments Poster Session

Abstract

Students’ perceptions are some of the most important elements in the learning environment (Wubbels & Brekelmans, 2005). Although the literature is replete with studies investigating teacher-student interpersonal behaviors in subject-specific classrooms, relatively few studies have conducted in China. This study investigated the perceptions of teacher-student interpersonal behavior in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms in China. A total of 823 students from 19 classes in 3 schools were asked to assess their teachers’ interpersonal behavior using the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI). Results showed that Chinese students reported higher scores for Leadership, Helpful/Friendly, Understanding, Student Freedom and Strict; and lower scores for Uncertain, Dissatisfied, and Admonishing. Implications for research and classroom instruction will be discussed.

Authors

• Michael Wei, University of Missouri-Kansas City

• Yalun Zhou, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• Carolyn Elizabeth Barber, University of Missouri - Kansas City

• Perry den Brok, Eindhoven University of Technology